GLP-1 Medications May Lower Anemia Risk in People with Celiac Disease

Celiac.com 12/08/2025 - At the 2025 Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology, new research presented by Dr. Jonathan Ghobrial from Allegheny Health Network revealed that patients with celiac disease who use GLP-1 receptor medications may experience important health benefits. These include a lower risk of iron deficiency anemia and a reduced chance of death compared to those who do not use these drugs. The findings suggest that these medications might play an unexpected role in helping people with celiac disease avoid certain nutritional complications.

Understanding GLP-1 Receptor Medications

GLP-1 receptor agonists are a class of medications most commonly prescribed for type 2 diabetes and weight management. They work by mimicking a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar and appetite. In recent years, they have gained wider use across medical specialties because of their benefits in treating other conditions such as chronic kidney disease, liver inflammation caused by fat buildup, and even sleep apnea. As their use has expanded, doctors have become more interested in how these drugs affect digestion and the body’s ability to absorb nutrients.

Why Nutrient Absorption Matters in Celiac Disease

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Celiac disease damages the lining of the small intestine, making it harder for the body to absorb essential nutrients such as iron, vitamin B12, and folate. This poor absorption can lead to chronic problems like anemia, fatigue, and weakness. Because of this, researchers have been looking for treatments or medications that could help reduce nutritional deficiencies in people with celiac disease. Before this study, there was very little evidence showing how GLP-1 medications might influence nutrient absorption in this group of patients.

How the Study Was Conducted

The researchers used a large medical database known as TriNetX to identify adults with a confirmed diagnosis of celiac disease. From that group, they compared patients who were prescribed GLP-1 medications—such as semaglutide, dulaglutide, liraglutide, or exenatide—with those who were not. To make the comparison fair, both groups were matched according to age, sex, medical history, and relevant laboratory test results.

The main outcomes the researchers examined were death rates, cases of iron deficiency anemia, need for blood transfusions, vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies, gastrointestinal bleeding, and changes in hemoglobin levels (a measure of red blood cell health).

What the Researchers Found

A total of 18,582 patients were included in the final analysis, with 9,291 in each group. The results showed several important differences:

• People who used GLP-1 medications had a lower death rate (1.9%) compared to those who did not (3.3%).
• They were less likely to require a blood transfusion (0.9% vs. 1.3%).
• They also had a lower rate of iron deficiency anemia (5.4% vs. 6.5%).
• Vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies were less common in the GLP-1 group (0.8% vs. 1.3%).
• Gastrointestinal bleeding occurred at slightly higher rates in the GLP-1 group, but the difference in overall risk was small and not considered clinically significant.

These results indicate that people with celiac disease who use GLP-1 medications appear to have better overall outcomes when it comes to survival and nutrient levels, especially regarding iron and vitamin deficiencies.

Possible Explanations and Next Steps

Although the study did not determine exactly how GLP-1 medications lower the risk of anemia, several theories could explain the connection. These drugs are known to slow down the movement of food through the digestive system, which might allow for more complete absorption of nutrients. They may also have anti-inflammatory effects that help improve the health of the intestinal lining. However, the researchers emphasized that further studies are needed to confirm these possibilities and to understand whether the benefits are directly related to the medications or to other factors.

What This Means for People with Celiac Disease

For people living with celiac disease, iron deficiency anemia is one of the most common and frustrating complications. It can cause fatigue, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating, even for those who strictly avoid gluten. This study offers hope that GLP-1 medications—originally developed for diabetes and weight loss—might also help protect against anemia and other nutritional deficiencies that are common in celiac disease.

The findings are especially meaningful because they suggest a possible new approach to managing the long-term health challenges faced by those with celiac disease. If future studies confirm these results, doctors might one day consider GLP-1 medications not only for their current approved uses but also as part of a broader strategy to support nutritional health in people with celiac disease.

Conclusion

This research provides an encouraging glimpse into how modern medications may offer unexpected benefits beyond their original purpose. While more investigation is needed to understand how GLP-1 receptor drugs improve outcomes for celiac patients, their apparent ability to reduce the risk of iron deficiency anemia and improve survival rates could mark a major step forward in managing the condition. For patients and healthcare providers alike, this study highlights the importance of exploring all available ways to support better nutrition and quality of life for those affected by celiac disease.

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